I'm thinking about putting the nice Sterling $350 rebuild (I still have it in a box) on my stock 83GS 12A and I wonder if I need (at least) an RB header? I'm concerned about being over-carbed with that big CFM Sterling.

Originally I was going to put the Sterling on the 85GSL and use that as a test car to develop a combination that would have good power and still pass CA smog. But I changed my plans (decided to sell the 85GSL to make room in my stable for something else, like maybe a Cosmo) when I got the tired SE I saved from the crusher running good, after 2 years parttime work on it, and actually got the paperwork all squared away (title, smog, tags and insurance). It's a kick to drive the SE and all I need now is a little more bodywork and a paintjob (thinking Pearl White semi-good $2000 job) and it's my DD. So then the 83GS is my mountain car, and with a little more HP it'll be Very Nice.

Anyone running a Big Sterling on a stockport 12A with pertinent experience?

 

A header will not pass smog. If you keep the oem system and change it out for smog and preseve it for those times, a header will give you a good performance boost and help you realize the potential of the Sterling carb. I'm not sure if the Sterling will pass. The CA guys will need to chime in on that one.

 

I had some beers with my friend Mike this evening and he has a header and I would like to have one of those, having driven his car, before the beers. It made his puny GS faster than my really nice GSL. If I just didn't have all those good exhaust parts, like stock mufflers, etc, I'd get one.

Ray

 

You can actually pass emissions with a header as long as you have a goof functioning catyletic converter. Not sure if the Sterling will help matters any though

 

He's in CA, the header will not pass visual. The Sterling may not either, depending on how knowlegeable the tester is and how hard he looks.

 

I have the Sterling on a stockport 12a w/RB exhaust. No issues and I'm loving it! No emissions testing here though...

 

Yeah brother, f emissions.

Regards,
Alexander

 

the only way he'll pass emissions in CA with a modded nikki and header is with a hookup.

 

Where can I buy a new carb at? I've searched and searched and cannot find ANYTHING at a decent price I'm watching Ebay all the time, but they SKYROCKET right at the end. What does everyone think of the dual Mikuni's?

 

http://www.sterlingmetalworks.com/services_index.html

 

You think you could pass visual with a header if you used a heat shield to conceil it? All you would have to do is say "It's a rotary, it's supposed to look like that."

 

I agree. I would go to some shady test only guaranteed to pass place. They normally charge $40 and obey the motto if it passes I see not problem, meaning that if the numbers are good who cares if you have a header. Your main issue will be having a catalytic converter and a properly functioning air pump and rats nest. The question becomes can and Sterling work with the emissions equipment? As Carl sells them now no, the Sterling carb has no emissions connectors. I am curious if he can build a performance carb that will integrate with emissions equipment or not. If a performance modified carb cannot be built that will pass emissions you have two options (1) pay someone off (2) swap carbs etc every time you have get the car smoged.

I have been wondering is it possible to disable the rats nest and air pump install and modified carb and intake (ie racing beat) then when the time comes to smog swap out the carbs and turn the air pump back on? My guess is that without the air pump on after two years of driving around the catalytic will be gummed up anyway.
Any thoughts?

 

My RB header had the oxygen sensor bung & everything - and there's no emmissions inspection in this Province!

Everyone needs an RB header. Even if they don't own an RX-7. Just hang it on the wall

 

Yep, ever since I removed my header to pass smog it's been stored away. The car is quieter with the stock exhaust manifold (naturally) plus it has more torque than horsepower.